Bigg's (Transient) Orcas and Humpback Whales in a glorious world of blue and green and sunshine!
What a wonderful day we shared in the sunshine surrounded by blue waters and sky, orcas and humpback whales! We could not believe our eyes when Biggs (Transient) Orcas, the T10's surfaced suddenly near the boat as we headed towards Donegal Head on our tour this morning. We had been advised that three orcas were travelling north from Donegal Head and yet here they were in Cormorant Channel, surfacing beside us and suddenly! It was exciting to say the least, as the Matriarch T010 was identified along with her two sons, T010B (born in 1983) and T010C (born in 1999).
They were taking long dives and had separated when there was some splashing and suddenly T010C surfaced, followed by his brother and then we watched as their mother made her way towards them, we cannot be absolutely sure but we think they were onto a harbour seal and then after a long dive and a short time of rest on the surface of the water, they began to travel quickly to the west. It was at this point that we left them and made our way back towards the top end of Blackfish Sound near Weynton Passage where we observed 'Guardian' the humpback whale feeding in the ebbing current on the North side of Stubbs Island while another humpback whale was seen off the Plumper Islands and still more across at Bold Head.
We headed towards Bold Head and as we neared the area we could see hundreds+ sooty shearwater birds circling around and landing to rest and feed. It was wonderful seeing them again today in less choppy waters and while we were still able to sail today in the NW winds blowing, the water was far more settled than yesterday's stronger NW winds. The humpback whale 'Slash' was working in the vicinity of Bold Head and we could see at least three more further east in Blackfish Sound, and one nearby feeding near to 'Slash' as well. In the presence of our blue surroundings, sparkling kelp forests and gorgeous rain forested islands we made our way homeward bound viewing harbour seals, stellar sea lions and bald eagles. Also seen: rhinoceros auklets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, surf scoters and gull species.
** Still unable to download our daily photo's from our 400 mm lens camera, today's photo's were taken by our iphone.
Today's penned comments: "Great trips, great views of killer whales and humpback whales! A great experience overall! " Dieter, Belgium
"Thanks for the trip, it was huge killer whales. Thank you." Uli and Lucus, Germany
"Wonderful tour. So quiet, peaceful and imtimate with the whales and birds. Thanks to the great introduction to scones and tea as well. What a treat!" Shawn, Grand Forks, BC